Victor McCrary Named Vice Chancellor for Research

Victor McCrary, vice president for research and economic development at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, has been named UT Knoxville’s new vice chancellor for research.

He will begin March 5.

Victor McCrary, UT Knoxville vice chancellor for research

As the chief research officer of the university, the vice chancellor for research promotes research, economic development, humanistic inquiry and creative design. He will be especially instrumental in facilitating collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratories through UT-Battelle LLC and other research and development institutions in the region and the state.

“Victor has a distinguished record as a researcher and university administrator,” Chancellor Beverly Davenport said. “At Morgan State, they call him an agent of change for developing a comprehensive research strategy for the university and fostering cross-disciplinary work. We welcome his expertise in advancing our research enterprise and guiding the implementation of our cluster hire and grand challenge initiatives.”

Before joining Morgan State, McCrary held research administrative positions at Johns Hopkins University, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and AT&T Bell Laboratories.

“What attracted me to UT is its great history, rich research tradition, and the partnership with a forward-looking national laboratory,” McCrary said, “but what really made the difference is its energetic leadership team and its innovative faculty, staff, and students.”

McCrary has a doctorate in physical chemistry from Howard University, an executive master’s degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Catholic University of America. He is a fellow of the American Chemical Society and a member of the National Science Board.

McCrary and his wife, Mercedes, have two children, Francesca and Maximilian.